Collapsible bed



April l, 1947. c. A. LlNsLEY COLLAPSIBLE BED 'Filed July 1s, .1944

4 Sheets-sheetI l April 1, 1947.

C. A. LINSLEY I 2,418,307

.COLLAPS IBLE BED Filed July l5, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 1, 1947.

c. A. LlNsLEY COLLAPSIBLE BED Filed July 15, 1944 IEEE' 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 l April l, 1947. c. A. LlNsLEY COLLAPSIBLE BED 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 15. 1944 H MAA/w Patented Apr. 1, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ooLLAPsrBLE BED `Charles A. Lnsley, St. -Ifetershurg, F1a. application July 13, 1944, serial N0. 544,662

,8 Claims. 1

This invention relates to bed construction, and more particularly to the provision of twin beds which may be used independently, but are capable of being nested together in order to occupy a minimum of space with one of the beds concealed.

-It is an object of the invention to provide twin beds which will afford comfort to the occupants and which can use mattresses of any desired thickness so that they will be as comfortable as other ordinary beds, and which may be nested for compactness, and which may be made ready for immediate use upon a moments notice.

`It is a further object of the invention to provide twin beds which may be made up ready for use prior to their beingnested and which may be separated, and the actual simple pulling apart or act of separating of the beds will cause the inner bed to automatically rise to the full height of the outerbed so that both beds may be immediately occupied.

A further object of the invention is to provide practical and substantial twin beds of the above described character of simple, durable and economical construction, and which will improve the appearance of the room in which they are used.

A further object oi the invention is to provide mechanism for the collapsing of the inner bed, which. may bemanipulated by a lever and by applying a smallramount of Weight upon the same.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective of the beds in separated relation;

Fig. z, a perspective of a portion of the working parts;

Fig. 3, a section through the framework of the beds in side by side relation;

Fig. 4, a bottom plan of the beds nested without the mattresses;

JFig. 5, a vertical longitudinal section `er the nested beds without the mattresses;

Fig. 6, a top planview of thenested beds Without the mattresses;

Fig. 7, a longitudinal section of the inner bed supported in operative position without the Inattresses and springs; `and Fig. 8, a `bottom plan of the beds devoid of mate tresses in side by side relation disclosing particularly the release mechanism for causing the inner Abed to'assume its operative height,

Asshown in Fig. 1, twin beds are provided with mattresses I0 and Il, and frames I2 and I3. The

mattresses Ill and II are of conventional, prefere` ably inner-spring, construction to aord maxle mum comfort to the user. The mattresses I0 and II may be of similar dimensions, although if 1de: sired the mattress Ill may be slightlysmaller in length and width.

The frames or bases I2 and I3 are designed pri;-l marily for their supporting function, vas is true of the base of any bed, but they are also designed for pleasing appearance, both when nested 'or when they are separated. Theyare likewisedef signed to simulate a single bed when they are in nested relation. Theseframes or bases are `also designed to provide maximumcompactness, `as Well as simplicity in the nesting of the same in addition to their supporting functions. The frame I3 forms ahousing or outer casing'for the frame I2 and its mattress. Rollers I4 are mounted within the plane of the end memberof the frame I3, therefore olering no obstruction interiorally or exteriorally of this frame, and at the same time the frame can readily be rolled'only in a` sidewise manner. The inner bed, whichincludes the frame I2, has its rollers I5 mounted on the lower ends of the legs I6 at right angles to the rollers of the other bed, andtherefore the inner bed can only be moved in an endwise direction. Thus, when the beds are being nested the inner bed having the frame I2 is moved endwise to position beside the other bed, having the frame I3, which forms the housing. This housing is moved laterally to bring the beds into nested relation. The inner extremities of the ends of the frame I3 are provided with bevelled felt-covered surfaces I'I in order to prevent the corners of the inner bed from being marred, and in order to cause automatic alignment by the movement of the inner bed endwise if necessary in assembling.

As shown in Fig. 1, when the beds are readyfer occupancy they are of the same height. However, in Qrder toacc'ommodate the thick mattress I0, it is neeessary for the bed which nests inside of the other to collapse suiciently to permit this nesting to be accomplished. Therefore, the innerl bed has a narrower frame I2 than that of the other er outer bed` frame, and pivoted legs I6 carrying the rollers I5 at their lower extremities Vserve to support the bed in both its `lowered and elevated positions- The frame I2 of the inner bed is rectangular, and has two pairs of legs IS, one pair at each end. The legs of each pair are connected adjacent their `lower extremities by means of a-braee I3 `of angle iron to make Vthem of relatively streng,

rigid construction, and the upper extremities of said legs are likewise reinforced with cross braces I9. The legs I 6 are fastened by bolts and nuts 26 to brackets 2| attached to the side members of the frame I2. These bolts form the pivots about which the legs swing. The upper extremities of the legs I6 are connected by pivots 22 with links 23, at one or both sides of the bed (only one being shown), which links at their opposite ends are provided with pivots 24 connected to the opposite extremities of a crank bar 25 pivoted at its center on a bolt 26 so that throwing or rotation of the crank bar 25 about the pivot 26, when the legs are depending in supporting position, when the bed is in elevated position, will by means of thev links 23, swing the lower extremities of one pair of legs slightly away from the other pair, thereby permitting slight pressure on the bed to Vdepress it to collapsed position. The pivot 26 is mounted in a plate 21 counter sunk inside of the bed frame I2, and a lever 28 having an operating knob on its free end is also pivotally mounted on said plate 21. The lever 28'oscillates ina slot 28 in the inner surface of the side frame of the bed. This limits the throw of the lever from the locked position of Figs. 2 and 7, clockwise only, sufficient to move the pivot 24 beyond dead center. This moves the upper ends of the pairs of legs toward each other and spreads the lower portions of said pairs of legs apart initiating collapse of the legs so that weight will cause them to move to fully collapsed position. When the free end of this lever is raised the'pivot 24 is engaged thereby and the bar 25 is swung on its pivot 26, to cause the release of the legs. Weight of the 'bed and the application of slight pressure will cause the legs to swing apart at their bottoms to permit the bed to be lowered. The lever 28 is provided with a notch 29 for receiving one of the pivots 24, and due to the fact that the pivoted end of the lever 28 is mounted slightly eccentrically of the pivot 26, when the pivot 24 is engaged by the notch 29 the locking action will be accomplished, thereby maintaining the legs in upright position. When the bar 25 is in the position shown in Fig. 2 it is slightly beyond dead center, being limited as to further movement in a counter-clo-ckwise direction by means of the lever 28 against which the nearer pivot 24 engages so that there can be no possible accidental lcollapsing of the bed. However, when the lever is swung upwardly the bar 25 is rotated beyond dead center in a clockwise direction. This movement of the levers swings the upper ends of the legs toward the center of the beds and the lower extremities of the legs away from the center of the bed and .permits it to be forced downwardly. The spring 30 connects one of the links 23 to the bed frame, thus tending to maintainthe connecting links 23-23 and bar 25 beyond dead center.

Spring means is provided for normally bring- .ing the legs I6 into dependingoperative, sustaining, position. Such spring means includes a main connecting spring 3|, connecting the centers of the reinforcing braces I8 so that when vthe legs are released the spring 3| contracts to pull the lower extremities of the legs toward operative position, and in like manner springs 32,

connecting the upper ends'of the braces I9 and the ends of the bed, pull the upper ends of the legs toward the ends of the bed, thus assisting the spring 3|. The springs 3l and 32 are of sufficient strength and under sumcienttension to overcome the weight of the bed structure and 4 lift the same when the legs are released when in collapsed position.

Stops 33 (Fig. 7) are adapted to be engaged by l the braces I9, and thus limit the swinging of the lower extremities of the legs toward each other when the legs are in supporting position, while stops 34 are engaged on their under sides by the legs I6 when they are collapsed as shown in Fig. 5, thereby limiting the collapsing movement of the legs.

In order to fasten the legs I6 in collapsed position, swinging latches 35 on pivots 35, are pivoted to mounting bars 37 attached to the under side of the frame cross bars 38. Rollers 45, mounted on the cross bars provide bearing means for the latches 35. These latches 35 have beveledtoe portions 35 adapted to be engaged by the leg braces i8 so that these leg braces ride under these toe portions of the latches, and the legs are held in collapsed position. The extrem-V ities of the latches, remote from the toe portions 35' are adapted to be engaged and operated for releasing the legs to permit the bed to attain its proper elevation under the influence of the springs 3| and 32, and this operation can be accomplished manually by a kick of the toe or foot, or otherwise. Similarly the latch 35 can be operated by a lever, hereinafter described, on the other bed section. Springs 39 maintain the latches 35 in latching position.

In order to cause simultaneous release of the latches 35, links 4l) are attached to opposite ends of a bar 4| pivoted in the frame at 4I. Movement of this bar in a clockwise direction (Figs. 2 and 6) will retract the latches to release the legs. Reverse movement is automatic on account of the springs 39.

The lower extremities of the beveled felt-covered surfaces I 'I of the outer casing have mount ed therein spring pressed detents 42, on pivots 43, under the inuence of the springs 44. Each of these detents engages a section of the frame so that it can only move in a limited arcrfrom a position `substantially in alignment with the end of the frame I3 to a position at right angles thereto across the line of movement of the inner bed frame I2, and directly in the path of movement of the latches 35. Y

Thus when the beds are brought into nested relation the detents 42 are collapsed against the action of the springs but when they are moved in the opposite direction they trip the latches 35, just as the beds are separated and the inner bed automatically assumes its full height on the legs i6 due to the action of the springs 37| and 32. This height corresponds to that of the other bed.

The lever 26 and associated linkage locks the legs in fixed relation until the lever is swung upwardly, whereupon as previously stated the weight of the bed and slight pressure by an individual will cause the bed to assume its lowermost position, and the braces4 i8 connecting the legs at their lower extremities ride beneath the toe portions of the latches 35 and are heldin this position until these latches are released, atv

the vloed, :together with slight pressure .from an iindividual .will .cause the .legs l'-l i 6, to spread apart` and tithe .bed to lowerlor :collapse zsoathat lit i can `be `slid into theiframe .and ifo-rm a fsnug .fit-with the other hed, lprovided itis in alignment therewith. Y

4When the legs are .being folded'the rollers :or

frame,` but slightly exposed below the same :so

v.that the rollerswill still be .eiective The .inner bed has .its `sides of uniform-Width eXcept adjacent ,its extremities where .the sides tare'imder-cut to lpermit thextrip levers-42 to lpass .The force necessary to :raise the r Ainner `.bed from its :lowered "to .its raisedposition `depends upon-the weight of 4thedoed assemblyand thereunder.

thereforeis-variableor adjustable, as for .exam- KDie, by turnbuckles .13V or :in any other desired manner.

lnwview of thefactthat therollersl are .on .an'axis transversely of. theinner bed, this .inner bed can be moved endwise tobringlitintoproper jing the links tto unlock 'the .'mayibeilovvered. i

' .which-When 'notnnested are .relatively movable casters will be swung upwardli7 and outwardly .to ,aposition substantially within `the oonnesof the alignment .with .the outer casing, thereupon the .outerfcasing or other bed can be easily moved .into nested relation withV the inner bed.

The .felted beveled surfaces 4Il assist vin `the aligningof the beds.

It willrbe .obvious to .those "skilled in theart .that variouschangesimay be made 4in the inven- :tion `Without departingfrom thespirit` and scope thereof and therefore the .invention is not limited by that which is .shown .in the .drawing and described in the specication but l.only as indicated .in the appended claims. i Y i Vllihat is .claimed is:

l. A collapsible bedassembly comprising zoom'- .pletely separable .andiindependent outer and .inner beds;nested. one .Within 'the otherand usable `when :not `nested either .as twin or independent beds, supporting rollers fior each of said-beds ar ranged to permit one Abed 4to loe-moved endvvise` and the other .bed to be moved laterally `vvhereby said beds are movable linto separated or nested position, legs pivotally and collapsibly mounted on said inner bed, means for normally biasing said legs toward extended position to support the bed in elevated position, said biasing .means being sufficient to elevate said bed, locking means on said inner bed for `maintaining said legs in collapsed position to support Vthe bed in `lowered position during nested relationship, means' .on said outer bed for engaging and releasing `said lockingmeans during separation of the beds to permit said biasing means to .extend saidlegs to elevate said inner bed upon .separation .of .said beds 'so that the inner .bed will automatically assume its position of use.

2. In a collapsible twin bed assembly comprising a pair of nestable frames, supporting rollers for said frames, the rollers in one frame being mounted substantially at right angles to those oi the other frame so that one frame is movable endwise into position to have the other frame moved laterally thereover, said inner frame having legs adjacent each end pivoted intermediate their extremities to said frame, and spring means normally biasing said legs toward extended position, the tension upon said springs being sumcient to move said legs to upright position with said frame elevated, the upper ends of said legs being connected by linkage adapted to be disposed offcenter for locking the legs extended when they support the bed in an elevated positionbut having a manipulating portion for mov- Vand zuseable 'as independent `single 'bedsgor .as twin beds, supporting structure for rigidlyrsupporting :said beds, :the supporting structure A`for the innersibed comprising spaced`,-rigid,leg frames L iviotally mounted transversely `under rsaid .inner bed, and Affoldable longitudinally thereof, means .for locking :said .leg :frames solidly Ain extended position vii'or :supporting .the bed 4in an ,elevated position .of use, therconstruction and larrangement TofA said supporting vstructure providing both .lateral Aand .longitudinal .solidarity .of said bed, supporting rollers .for .said ,beds .arranged to 'ipermit-.one hed'to be 'moved .endwise .and the other bed tobe moved ,laterallywhereby said beds are lmovallle into separated'or nested vposition, means fior normallybiasingjsaid leg iframes toward :eX- tended position tosupportthelbed elevated, said biasing. means :being-sumcientto elevate said '.b'ed, locking .means on i-said inner bed for maintaining said legs `incollapsed position to support thefbed in `lowered position .during nested relationship,

.and means on said outer bed for engaging and releasing said locking means duringseparating .movement of said lbecls .to permit said .biasing means to extend saidlegs `to .elevate said bed.;

4. in .acellapsible bed uni-t, .a frame, .leg members pivot-ed .intermediate :of their length .to the frame, spring meansconnecting the .inner .ends .of saidleg .members to theendsfof the frame and tending :to `bias thezinner ends of the vleg members apart, `spring=ineans connecting the outer ends .of saidleg members 'and tending to bias them .toward'eachzothen all .of said springs being :tensioned when said legs .arerin icollapsedposition, :thepivot points `for saidlegimembers being spaced from' theends .ofthe'irame so that whenV collapsed the outer .ends of the legs Will swing upwardly .and outwardly to Aajposition substan- .tially .within the .confines of the frame, but pro- .iecting .slightly .'below saidl frame so that the .outerileg .enclsfwill stillbe effective to support said :bedzwhen in collapeediposition.

5. `sroollapsible .b edlassemloly comprising completely `.separable .andxindependent i outer and in- Y nerbedsfnested one within 4theotloer and which when'not nested .arerelatively'movable and usable as independent single beds or `as twin beds, supportingis'tructure for rigidlyssupporting saidbeds, the supportingstructure for the inner bed 'comprising. spaced, rigid, leg frames vpivotally mounted transversely `under said inner bed, and foldfor said beds arranged to permit one bed tobe moved endwise and the other bed to be moved laterally whereby said beds are movable into separated or nested position, means for normally biasing said leg frames toward extended position to support the bed in elevated position, said biasing means being sufficient to elevate said bed,

locking means on said inner bed `for maintaining said leg frames in collapsed positionysaid locking means comprising an elongated bar pivotally mounted on said vinner bed having one end constructed and arranged to vperform the locking assembly comprising .com-` v7 function, the opposite end being `constructed and arranged to engage a portion of said outer bed fupon relative movement between said beds to move' said locking means to unlocked position upon separation of the beds whereby the legs vof l said inner bed will automatically be extended to support said inner bed in elevated position ready v for use.

6. A collapsible bed assembly comprising completely separable and independent outer and inner beds nested one within the other and which when not nested are relatively movable and usableas independent single beds or as twin beds, supporting structure for rigidly supporting said beds, the supporting structure for the inner bed comprising spaced, rigid, leg -frames pivotally mounted transversely under said inner bed, and

ffoldable longitudinally thereof, means for lock-` ing said leg frames solidly in extended position for supporting the bed in'an elevated position of use, the construction and arrangementl of said supporting structure providing both lateral and longitudinal solidarity of said bed, supporting rollers vforV said beds arranged to permit one bed to'bemoved endwise and the other bed to be moved laterally whereby said beds are movable into separated or nested position, means for normallybiasing said leg frames toward extended 'position to support the bed in elevated position, f

.the path of movement of the cammeans on said elongated bar during separating movement of said beds whereby upon separation of the beds said abutment means will cause said locking Y means to move to unlocked position thus permitting Yextension of the legs on said inner bed and the elevation of said inner bed to a position ready forA use, said abutment means being movable against the action of said spring means and out of the path of movement of said cam means during relative movement of said beds into nested relationship. n 1 y 7. A collapsible bed assembly comprising completely Vseparable and independent outer and inner nestable beds nested one within the other and usable when not nested either as twin or independent beds, supporting rollers for said outer bed, legs pivotally" and collapsibly mounted 1in?- termediate their extremities adjacent the ends Aof and on Vsaid inner bed, supporting rollers mounted on the outer ends of said legs, means for Vnormally biasing said legs toward extendedposition to support the bed in elevated position, s aid biasing means being suicient to elevate said bed, locking means on said inner bed `for maintaining said legs in` collapsed position to support the bed in lowered position during nested relationship, means on said outer bed for engaging and releasing said locking means during separation of the beds to permit said biasing means to extend said legs to elevate said inner bed upon separation'of said beds 'so that the inner bed will automatically assume its position of use, and leg swinging linkage for simultaneously swinging said legs from extended position toward collapsed position.

8. A collapsible bed assembly comprising completely separable and independent outerand inner beds nested one within the other and usable when not nested either as twin or independent beds, supporting'rollers for each of said beds', legs pivotally and collapsibly mounted on said inner bed, means for normally biasing said legs toward extended position to support said inner bed in elevated position, said biasing means being sufficient to elevate said inner bed, locking means on said inner bed for maintaining said legs in collapsed position to support said inner bed in lowered position during nested relationship, means on said outer bed for engaging and releasing said locking means during separation ofthe beds to permit said biasing means to extend said legs to elevate said inner bed upon separation of said beds so that the inner bed will automatically assume its` position, of use, means comprising a crank bar rotatable beyond dead center for locking said legs in extended position for supporting said inner bed fully elevated, and means comprising an operating handv lever for unlocking said last mentioned means and for swingingsaid legs apart to permit said inner bed to be lowered.

CHARLES A. LINSLEY.

REFERENCES CITED [The following references are of record inthe file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Krakauer v July 28, 1942 

